Versatile necktie

ABSTRACT

A simulated necktie knot that includes a hollow shell shaped like a conventional four-in-hand or Windsor necktie knot, the shell being shaped as a truncated cone, having a bar extending horizontally within the hollow shell. A decorative fabric surrounds the shell and includes a rear access to allow access to the bar within the shell. A fabric band connected to the decorative fabric that surrounds the shell and has a user-operable closure positioned at either the person&#39;s neck right side or left side to allow the band to encircle a person&#39;s neck with the decorative fabric-covered shell positioned at the front of the person&#39;s neck. A second strip of decorative fabric drapes over the bar in the shell so that two ends of the second strip extend out the bottom of the shell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills one or more of these needs in the art byproviding an apparatus for necktie wear including a simulated necktieknot that includes a hollow shell. The shell may be shaped like aconventional four-in-hand or Windsor necktie knot. The shell is open atits rear and bottom and has a bar extending horizontally within thehollow shell. The shell may be closed at its top. A decorative fabricsurrounds the shell and includes a rear access to allow access to thebar within the shell. A fabric band connected to the decorative fabricthat surrounds the shell has a user-operable closure to allow the bandto encircle a person's neck with the decorative fabric-covered shellpositioned at the front of the person's neck.

The apparatus can also include a second strip of decorative fabricmatching the decorative fabric that surrounds the shell and configuredto drape over the bar in the shell so that two ends of the second stripextend out the bottom of the shell. Alternatively, the second strip ofdecorative fabric does not match the decorative fabric that surroundsthe shell. In some embodiments, both strips are included, allowing thewearer to select a preference for use.

In some embodiments the bar is removably mounted inside the shell. In anembodiment, a magnet is affixed inside the shell and the bar has amating magnet and a loop to receive the second strip, whereby the barcan be removably mounted inside the shell. In some embodiments, the barhas a second loop so the second strip can be threaded through the twoloops. In some embodiments, the bar forms an interior clasp that willsnap out of the plastic shell from a mount inside the shell. The fabricband preferably has a closure positioned at either the person's neckright side or left side. The decorative fabric that surrounds the shellmay extend below the shell.

Typically, the shell is shaped as a truncated cone, truncated at its topand bottom, and is positioned in the decorative fabric with a wider partof the cone above a narrower part of the cone. The shell canconveniently be made of plastic or other material.

The rear access of the decorative fabric that surrounds the shell mayinclude two flaps of the decorative fabric that together span the openrear of the shell and affix to one another. The two flaps may affix toone another with a closure selected from the group consisting of snaps,zippers, magnets and hook-and-loop fasteners.

The invention can also be considered as a method of wearing a necktieincluding providing a simulated necktie knot that includes a hollowshell that is open at its rear and bottom and has a bar extendinghorizontally within the hollow shell, a decorative fabric surroundingthe shell, a rear access to allow access to the bar within the shell,and a fabric band connected to the decorative fabric that surrounds theshell and has a user-operable closure. The method proceeds by draping asecond strip of decorative fabric over the bar in the shell so that twoends of the second strip extend out the bottom of the shell, positioningthe decorative fabric-covered shell at the front of a wearer's neck,encircling the neck with the band, and closing the closure.

Draping the second strip of decorative fabric over the bar in the shellso that two ends of the second strip extend out the bottom of the shellmay include draping the second strip over the bar as removed from theshell and subsequently mounting the bar in the shell. If the bar has amagnet attached to it, the method may include bringing the magnetattached to the bar into attractive engagement with a magnet is affixedinside the shell.

Commonly, the method includes removing the second strip of decorativefabric from the bar and substituting a differently-appearing secondstrip.

Draping a second strip of decorative fabric over the bar in the shellmay include opening two flaps at a rear of the shell, installing thesecond strip, and redo sing the two flaps. Reclosing the two flaps mayinclude connecting two parts of a closure selected from the groupconsisting of snaps, zipper, magnets and hook-and-loop fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by a reading of the DetailedDescription of the Examples of the Invention along with a review of thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hollow shell in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the shell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the shell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the shell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a back view of the shell of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view of a simulated necktie, alongside a second strip thatcan be substituted for the second strip included in the assembledembodiment shown;

FIG. 8 is a view of an assembled simulated necktie using another secondstrip;

FIG. 9 is a back view of the simulated necktie with the rear access tothe hollow shell opened and showing the second strip having both endsdraped over the bar of the shell;

FIG. 10 is a back view of the simulated necktie with the rear access tothe hollow shell opened and showing the second strip having one endextended above the bar of the shell, to aid in understanding the drapingprocess;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the covered shell and fabric band that canencircle a person's neck;

FIG. 12 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a back view of an embodiment with a magnetically retainedbar; and

FIG. 14 is a back view of another embodiment with a magneticallyretained bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 6 show various views of the hollow shell 20 thatsimulates the shape of a necktie knot, such as a four-in-hand or Windsorknot. FIG. 2 is a side view of the shell, helping illustrate its conicalshape. FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of the shell, showing it tobe closed at the top and open at the back and the bottom and providedwith a bar 24 spanning within the shell. As can be seen in this figure,the shell has defined thickness 26, which can be ⅛^(th) inch thick, butother thicknesses will also work. The dimensions indicated are notcritical. The bar can be ⅛^(th) inch thick, but other thicknesses willalso work. In alternate embodiments (not shown) the bar 24 is removableand snaps into place; alternatively, it can be hinged at one end andpivot to open and close with a clasp holding it closed. FIGS. 4 and 6illustrate the preferred bar placement within the shell, but otherplacements will also work. In some embodiments the bar and/or inside ofthe shell are given a metallic look.

FIG. 7 is a view of a simulated necktie, alongside a second strip 38that can be substituted for the second strip 38 included in theassembled embodiment shown. The shell is covered with a decorativefabric 30, so that the result appears like a conventional necktie knot.FIG. 7 also shows a fabric band 32 connected to the decorative fabric 30that surrounds the shell and having a user-operable closure 34 to allowthe band to encircle a person's neck with the decorative fabric-coveredshell positioned at the front of the person's neck. The fabric 30 thatsurrounds the shell is preferably bound to the shell, such as byadhesive or a sewing operation. In this view, a second strip 38 whichhas been draped over the bar 24 inside the shell 20 has front and backportions extending out the bottom 31 of the shell, completing theappearance of a conventional, knotted necktie. If desired, pins,trinkets, emblems, etc. can be mounted to the fabric on the front of theshell so it can be seen by a person looking at the wearer of thenecktie. The shell may have perforations, to allow a post on the back ofthe pin or other item to pass through the shell and receive a retainerto hold the pin in place.

FIG. 8 is a view of an assembled simulated necktie using another secondstrip 38. This shows that the use of a separate fabric for the secondstrip from the fabric used to cover the shell can lead to a uniqueadditional look that a wearer can opt for.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the simulated necktie with the rear access tothe hollow shell 20 opened and showing the second strip 38 having bothends draped over the bar 24 of the shell. This view shows that thefabric 30 that covers the shell includes a rear access to allow accessto the bar within the shell. The rear access includes two flaps 42 and44 that can be opened as shown in FIG. 9 or folded over the back of theshell in overlapping fashion. Each flap is shown having two snaps 46(male and female cooperating) so the flaps can be held together whenfolded over the rear of the shell 20, to result in an appearance asshown in FIG. 12. They can be held together with other means, such ashook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, magnets, etc.

FIG. 10 is a back view of the simulated necktie with the rear access tothe hollow shell opened and showing the second strip 38 having one endextended above the bar 24 of the shell 20, to aid in understanding thedraping process: When installing either of the second strips 38, 38′,38″ over the bar, it may momentarily look like FIG. 10. The length of afront portion of the second strip versus the length of a back portion ofthe second strip as it is draped over the bar can be adjusted by thewearer, as desired. The rear access not only allows the draping to becontrolled, but also allows replacement of one second strip withanother.

FIG. 11 is a front view and FIG. 12 is a back view of the covered shell30 and fabric band 32 that can encircle a person's neck. The fabric bandhas a closure 34 positioned at the person's neck right side, but couldalso be located on the left side. The closure 34 also has a lengthadjustment, so that the length of the band can be selected by the userto go around the neck closely, but not too tightly. This type of closuremakes removal easy for the wearer. The size adjustment and closure canbe as in conventional ready-made ties. FIG. 12 shows that the decorativefabric that surrounds the shell extends slightly below the shell; thisprovides a better engagement with the fabric of the second strip andassures coverage of the shell. In these views, the second strip 38″ isnot in place in the shell, but is shown in the background. The coveredshell and band can be sold as a single item, allowing a wearer to add aseparately-purchased second strip, such as a conventional necktie. Thesecond strip need not look like a conventional necktie, but could be anyadditional decorative fabric addition. The second strip can be adjustedto have a longer or shorter component in front, depending on where ithangs on the bar. Also, one second strip can be interchanged withanother second strip to provide versatility of looks for the wearer.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show two additional embodiments of the shell and bar;the fabric components and neck closure 34 are as with the priorembodiments. In FIGS. 13 and 14 a shell 120 has a magnet 130 secured tothe underside of the top. In FIG. 13, the mating magnet 132 is shownfixedly attached to a loop 140 that serves as the bar 24. In use, thesecond strip is passed through the loop 140 and the loop is mounted inthe shell by mating the magnets. FIG. 14 shows a modified loop 142 withits magnet 132, but the loop includes two loops to thread the secondstrip thorough.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled inthe art upon reading the foregoing description. It should be understoodthat all such modifications and improvements have been omitted for thesake of conciseness and readability, but are properly within the scopeof the following claims.

1. An apparatus for necktie wear comprising a simulated necktie knotthat includes a hollow shell, the shell being open at its rear andbottom and having a bar extending horizontally within the hollow shelland a decorative fabric surrounding the shell and including a rearaccess to allow access to the bar within the shell, and a fabric bandconnected to the decorative fabric that surrounds the shell and having auser-operable closure to allow the band to encircle a person's neck withthe decorative fabric-covered shell positioned at the front of theperson's neck.
 2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the baris removably mounted inside the shell.
 3. An apparatus as described inclaim 1 wherein the closure is positioned at either the person's neckright side or left side.
 4. An apparatus as described in claim 1 whereinthe decorative fabric that surrounds the shell extends below the shell.5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a secondstrip of decorative fabric matching the decorative fabric that surroundsthe shell, the second strip configured to drape over the bar in theshell so that two ends of the second strip extend out the bottom of theshell.
 6. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising asecond strip of decorative fabric that does not match the decorativefabric that surrounds the shell, the second strip configured to drapeover the bar in the shell so that two ends of the second strip extendout the bottom of the shell.
 7. An apparatus as described in claim 1wherein the shell is shaped as a truncated cone, truncated at its topand bottom and is positioned in the decorative fabric with a wider partof the cone above a narrower part of the cone.
 8. (canceled)
 9. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the rear access of thedecorative fabric that surrounds the shell includes two flaps of thedecorative fabric that together span the open rear of the shell andaffix to one another with a closure selected from the group consistingof snaps, zipper, and hook-and-loop fasteners.
 10. (canceled)
 11. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the shell has a closed top.12. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the shell is shapedlike a conventional four-in-hand or Windsor necktie knot.
 13. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a magnet is affixed inside theshell and the bar has a mating magnet and a loop to receive the secondstrip, whereby the bar can be removably mounted inside the shell.
 14. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the bar has a second loop sothe second strip can be threaded through the two loops.
 15. An apparatusas claimed in claim 1 further comprising a pin, trinket, emblem, etc.mounted to the fabric on the front of the shell.
 16. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the shell has a perforation and furthercomprising a pin, trinket, emblem, etc. mounted to the fabric on thefront of the shell and including a post that passes through perforation.17. An apparatus for necktie wear comprising a simulated necktie knotthat includes a hollow plastic shell shaped like a conventionalfour-in-hand or Windsor necktie knot, the shell being shaped as atruncated cone, truncated at its top and bottom and open its rear andbottom and having a bar extending horizontally within and removablymounted in the hollow shell and a decorative fabric surrounding theshell and extending below the shell and including a rear access to allowaccess to the bar within the shell, wherein the rear access of thedecorative fabric that surrounds the shell includes two flaps of thedecorative fabric that together span the open rear of the shell andaffix to one another with a closure selected from the group consistingof snaps and hook-and-loop fasteners; a fabric band connected to thedecorative fabric that surrounds the shell and having a user-operableclosure positioned at either the person's neck right side or left sideto allow the band to encircle a person's neck with the decorativefabric-covered shell positioned at the front of the person's neck; and asecond strip of decorative fabric configured to drape over the bar inthe shell so that two ends of the second strip extend out the bottom ofthe shell.
 18. A method of wearing a necktie comprising providing asimulated necktie knot that includes a hollow shell that is open at itsrear and bottom and has a bar extending horizontally within the hollowshell, a decorative fabric surrounding the shell, a rear access to allowaccess to the bar within the shell, and a fabric band connected to thedecorative fabric that surrounds the shell and has a user-operableclosure, draping a second strip of decorative fabric over the bar in theshell so that two ends of the second strip extend out the bottom of theshell, positioning the decorative fabric-covered shell at the front of awearer's neck, encircling the neck with the band, and closing theclosure.
 19. A method as described in claim 18 wherein draping thesecond strip of decorative fabric over the bar in the shell so that twoends of the second strip extend out the bottom of the shell, includesdraping the second strip over the bar as removed from the shell andsubsequently mounting the bar in the shell.
 20. A method as claimed inclaim 19 wherein the bar has a magnet attached to it and subsequentlymounting the bar in the shell includes bringing the magnet attached tothe bar into attractive engagement with a magnet is affixed inside theshell.
 21. A method as described in claim 18 further comprising removingthe second strip of decorative fabric from the bar and substituting adifferently-appearing second strip.
 22. A method as described in claim21 wherein draping a second strip of decorative fabric over the bar inthe shell includes opening two flaps at a rear of the shell, installingthe second strip, and reclosing the two flaps including connecting twoparts of a closure selected from the group consisting of snaps, zipper,magnets and hook-and-loop fasteners.
 23. (canceled)